Examining Motivated Attribution of Responsibility for Natural Disaster Management – Links to Preparedness Intent in Tropical Queensland

Background Natural disasters have devastating effects on local communities and economies. Given the unavoidability of natural disasters in areas such as tropical Queensland, it is imperative to supplement large-scale government mitigation strategies with individual-level preparedness activities. It is well-documented that perception of threat and subjective ability to cope with a threat motivate individual preparedness. This study expanded on existing knowledge of preparedness motivators, including measures of responsibility placement on self or government, as well as level of trust in authorities, in order to capture thought processes specific to the unique context of ambiguous responsibility among individuals and government for disaster mitigation. Aims This cross-sectional study aimed to explore whether responsibility attribution mediates effects of (a) threat perception and (b) perceived coping ability on disaster preparedness intent. Additionally, it assessed potential influence of trust in authorities on responsibility attribution, to begin exploring cognitive motivators of responsibility attribution. Method A sample of participants (N = 74 to date) residing in non-metropolitan areas of Queensland completed an online survey, comprising evidence-based measures of threat perception, perceived coping ability, responsibility attribution, trust in authorities, and preparedness intent. Results Data collection is ongoing as of 14 July 2025, and at this time sample size requirements for statistical power have not yet been met. We expect statistical power requirements will be met by the conclusion of data gathering. Preliminary data indicates tentative support for responsibility attribution as a mediator of the assessed variables. At present, data pertaining to trust in authorities is ambiguous. -Conclusions Findings will address effects of responsibility attribution (as influenced by trust in authorities) on preparedness intent in natural-disaster prone areas. Study findings may assist with development of targeted campaigns addressing responsibility attribution and trust attitudes to promote individual engagement in preparedness activities.

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OCURA 2025: Online Conference for Undergraduate Research in Australasia

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